I-FEATURES-AUSTRIA

Castles, cathedrals, choirs, classical music, Christmas markets – that’s what most tourists go to Austria for. Vienna, the capital, has often been dubbed the City of Music because of the legacies of musicians like Beethoven and Mozart and the City of Dreams because of Sigmund Freud. The historic Hofburg, the Vienna Boys Choir and The Sound of Music also immediately spring to mind. And these attractions are probably what would entice you to travel there too. But could there be something that might have slipped your mind? Well, the Austrian National Tourist Office will tell you that there is indeed something you may have forgotten or are perhaps not aware of. Austria is a great gourmet nation, they want to remind you, and the local people really know how to savour the food life. And that’s why it’s a perfect destination for foodies.

“Culinary experiences in Austria typically embody the spirit of “Gemütlichkeit” (pronounced "guh-MOOT-lih-kite”) which is the feeling of contentment and togetherness. Enjoying good food, drink and merriment is a way of life, where food and culture are interwoven,” the Tourist Office says.

According to Emanuel Lehner-Telic, Director of the Austrian National Tourist Office for Southeast Asia: “Gourmet Tourism is rising in popularity amongst connoisseurs of the good life. Austria has many different regions and our natural food sources from the mountains, valleys and freshwater lakes means we have a variety of local ingredients for chefs to explore their creative styles. Our food festivals and culinary trails showcase the best of European gourmet culture and we invite travellers to discover the Austrian dining experience – it’s atmosphere, location and tradition.” 

Here's some culinary trails and food experiences you might want to think about:

· If are thinking of going soon, then Christmas food in Christmas markets all over the country are the food you are likely to find everywhere

· If you are thinking of going later then watch out for these:

· Genuss-Festival, Vienna (12-14 May 2023) where over 200 chefs and food producers come together on Mother’s Day weekend at Stadtpark. You can taste wasabi from Burgenland, alpine caviar from Upper Austria, mushrooms and shrimp from Styria, spicy cheese from Tyrol and some unique products such as potato sausage.

· In July 2023, the traditional “Spitzer Marillenkirtag” (Apricot Festival) will tempt tastebuds with a variety of dishes created using Wachau apricots. Taste fluffy apricot dumplings, indulge in the fruity apricot punch and finest apricot brandy.

· Ostirrol de Luxe, Lienz (July to August 2023): The longest gourmet festival in Austria runs across 7 weeks in Tyrol, introducing the best of the region’s ingredients and products. Lienz’s main square becomes the “Gourmet Plaza”

· Gault&Millau Gourmet Fair, Vienna (16-17 September 2023): Be pampered by top chefs at the “Genussmesse” (pleasure) festival of fine food and wine. Award-winning Gault&Millau “toque” chefs from the top restaurants of Austria and renowned winemakers will gather at the stunning Kursalon Hübner music hall for the most prestigious culinary event of the year

· And then there are others like the “Eat like a Native” food tour in Innsbruck and “The Sound of Music” journey of discovery through Salzburgerland with gourmet experiences for herb lovers, fish fans, meatatarians, organic connoisseurs, dessert-lovers and more!

(Photo credit: All photos are provided by the Austrian National Tourist Office and used with their permission)